Optimized beam-based paging in non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

Embodiments provide a base station for a wireless communication network. The base station is configured to transmit a satellite beam pattern information to a core network entity, the satellite beam pattern information indicating a satellite beam pattern. The base station is configured to receive an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of a user equipment. The base station is configured to select, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment, at least one satellite beam of a satellite out of a plurality of different satellite beams based on the position of the user equipment and the satellite beam pattern. The base station is configured to transmit the paging message to the user equipment using the selected at least one satellite beam. Further embodiments provide a user equipment for providing the assistance information, and a core network entity for selecting at least one satellite out of a plurality of different satellites.

Description

[0001] 24018 1

[0002] Optimized Beam-Based Paging in Non-Terrestrial Networks

[0003] Description

[0004] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a transmission of paging messages in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). Some embodiments relate to optimized beam-based paging in NTN.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a terrestrial wireless network 100 including, as is shown in Fig. 1(a), a core network 102 and one or more radio access networks (RANs) RAN1 , RAN2, ... RANN. Fig. 1 (b) is a schematic representation of an example of a radio access network RANn that may include one or more base stations (BSs) gNB1 to gNB5, each serving a specific area surrounding the base station schematically represented by respective cells 1061 to 1065. The base stations are provided to serve users within a cell. The term base station, BS, refers to a next generation node B (gNB) in 5G networks, an evolved node B (eNB) in UMTS / LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro, or just a BS in other mobile communication standards. A user may be a stationary device or a mobile device. The wireless communication system may also be accessed by mobile or stationary Internet of Things (loT) devices which connect to a base station or to a user. The mobile devices or the loT devices may include physical devices, ground based vehicles, such as robots or cars, aerial vehicles, such as manned or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the latter also referred to as drones, buildings and other items or devices having embedded therein electronics, software, sensors, actuators, or the like as well as network connectivity that enables these devices to collect and exchange data across an existing network infrastructure. Fig. 1 (b) shows an exemplary view of five cells, however, the RANn may include more or less such cells, and RANn may also include only one base station. Fig. 1(b) shows two users UE1 and UE2, also referred to as user equipment, UE, that are in cell 1062 and that are served by base station gNB2. Another user UE3 is shown in cell 1064 which is served by base station gNB4. The arrows 1081 , 1082 and 1083 schematically represent uplink / downlink connections for transmitting data from a user UE1 , UE2 and UE3 to the base stations gNB2, gNB4 or for transmitting data from the base stations gNB2, gNB4 to the users UE1 , UE2, UE3. Further, Fig. 1(b) shows two loT devices 1101 and 1102 in cell 1064, which may be stationary or mobile devices. The loT device 1101 accesses the wireless communication system via the base station gNB4 to receive and transmit data as schematically represented by arrow 1121. The loT device 1102 accesses the wireless communication system via the user UE3 as is schematically represented by arrow 1122. The

[0006] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 2 respective base station gNB1 to gNB5 may be connected to the core network 102, e.g., via the S1 interface, via respective backhaul links 1141 to 1145, which are schematically represented in Fig. 1(b) by the arrows pointing to “core”. The core network 102 may be connected to one or more external networks. Further, some or all of the respective base station gNB1 to gNB5 may connected, e.g., via the S1 or X2 interface or the XN interface in NR, with each other via respective backhaul links 1161 to 1165, which are schematically represented in Fig. 1 (b) by the arrows pointing to “gNBs”.

[0007] For data transmission a physical resource grid may be used. The physical resource grid may comprise a set of resource elements (REs) to which various physical channels and physical signals are mapped. For example, the physical channels may include the physical downlink, uplink and sidelink shared channels (PDSCH, PLISCH, PSSCH) carrying user specific data, also referred to as downlink, uplink and sidelink payload data, the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying for example a master information block (MIB), the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying for example a system information block (SIB), the physical downlink, uplink and sidelink control channels (PDCCH, PLICCH, PSSCH) carrying for example the downlink control information (DCI), the uplink control information (UCI) and the sidelink control information (SCI). For the uplink, the physical channels, or more precisely the transport channels according to 3GPP, may further include the physical random access channel (PRACH or RACH) used by UEs for accessing the network once a UE is synchronized and has obtained the MIB and SIB. The physical signals may comprise reference signals or symbols (RS), synchronization signals and the like. The resource grid may comprise a frame or radio frame having a certain duration in the time domain and having a given bandwidth in the frequency domain. The frame may have a certain number of subframes of a predefined length, e.g., 1 ms. Each subframe may include one or more slots of 12 or 14 orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols depending on the cyclic prefix (CP) length. All OFDM symbols may be used for downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) or only a subset, e.g., when utilizing shortened transmission time intervals (sTTI) or a mini-slot / non-slot-based frame structure comprising just a few OFDM symbols.

[0008] The wireless communication system may be any single-tone or multicarrier system using frequency-division multiplexing, like the OFDM system, the orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) system, or any other IFFT-based signal with or without CP, e.g., DFT-s-OFDM. Other waveforms, like non-orthogonal waveforms for multiple access, e.g., filter-bank multicarrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) or universal filtered multi carrier (LIFMC), may be used. The wireless communication system may

[0009] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 3 operate, e.g., in accordance with the LTE-Advanced pro standard or the NR (5G), New Radio, standard.

[0010] The wireless network or communication system depicted in Fig. 1 may by a heterogeneous network having distinct overlaid networks, e.g., a network of macro cells with each macro cell including a macro base station, like base station gNB1 to gNB5, and a network of small cell base stations (not shown in Fig. 1), like femto or pico base stations.

[0011] In addition to the above described terrestrial wireless network also non-terrestrial wireless communication networks exist including spaceborne transceivers, like satellites, and / or airborne transceivers, like unmanned aircraft systems. The non-terrestrial wireless communication network or system may operate in a similar way as the terrestrial system described above with reference to Fig. 1 , for example in accordance with the LTE-Advanced Pro standard or the NR (5G), new radio, standard.

[0012] In mobile communication networks, for example in a network like that described above with reference to Fig. 1 , like an LTE or 5G / NR network, there may be UEs that communicate directly with each other over one or more sidelink (SL) channels, e.g., using the PC5 interface. UEs that communicate directly with each other over the sidelink may include vehicles communicating directly with other vehicles (V2V communication), vehicles communicating with other entities of the wireless communication network (V2X communication), for example roadside entities, like traffic lights, traffic signs, or pedestrians. Other UEs may not be vehicular related UEs and may comprise any of the above-mentioned devices. Such devices may also communicate directly with each other (D2D communication) using the SL channels.

[0013] When considering two UEs directly communicating with each other over the sidelink, both UEs may be served by the same base station so that the base station may provide sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance for the UEs. For example, both UEs may be within the coverage area of a base station, like one of the base stations depicted in Fig. 1. This is referred to as an “in-coverage” scenario. Another scenario is referred to as an “out-of-coverage” scenario. It is noted that “out-of-coverage” does not mean that the two UEs are not within one of the cells depicted in Fig. 1 , rather, it means that these UEs may not be connected to a base station, for example, they are not in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, so that the UEs do not receive from the base station any sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance, and / or

[0014] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 4 may be connected to the base station, but, for one or more reasons, the base station may not provide sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance for the UEs, and / or may be connected to the base station that may not support NR V2X services, e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE base stations.

[0015] When considering two UEs directly communicating with each other over the sidelink, e.g., using the PC5 interface, one of the UEs may also be connected with a BS, and may relay information from the BS to the other UE via the sidelink interface. The relaying may be performed in the same frequency band (in-band-relay) or another frequency band (out-of-band relay) may be used. In the first case, communication on the Uu and on the sidelink may be decoupled using different time slots as in time division duplex (TDD) systems.

[0016] In a communication system as described above, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are an essential part. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a NTN as well as transmissions in the NTN for a legacy paging procedure, by of example for 5G NR [1], The NTN 120 comprises a core network entity 122 (e.g., connected to a data network 123), a satellite gateway 124, a base station implemented on a satellite 126 and a UE 128.

[0017] As indicated in Fig. 2, paging in NTN is currently based on the legacy paging procedure implemented for terrestrial networks (TN) based on tracking areas. For a UE in RRCJDLE state, the core network (CN), in particular the AMF for 5G NR or the MME in LTE, maintains a record of the UE location in terms of its registered tracking areas (TAs). The UE 128 is going to trigger a NAS registration procedure ‘mobility registration update’ if it moves outside the registered tracking areas. The UE 128 is not going to trigger an update to the network while moving within the registered tracking areas. In general, this means that a paging message for paging a UE 128 is broadcasted by all base stations (e.g., gNBs for 5G NR or eNBs for LTE) belonging to the registered tracking areas for the UE 128.

[0018] Applying the legacy paging procedure to NTN may lead to a variety of challenges. An exemplary scenario for NTN is depicted in Fig. 3, in which an AMF service area 130 comprises many satellites 126i, 1262 and 1263, wherein each satellite footprint is supported by many satellite beams, which might not be active at the same time. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a NTN 120 with a core network entity 122, a satellite gateway 124, a plurality of satellites 126i , 1262 and 1263 and a UE 128, as well as a beam pattern 132 within the satellite footprint / AMF service area 130.

[0019] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 5

[0020] In case of a paging message arriving at the AMF destined to a UE within the AMF service area 130, the paging message is going to be transmitted by the AMF to all satellites / gNBs 126i, 1262 and 1263 serving the registered TAs or all gNBs serving the AMF service area 130. This may lead to a significant signaling overhead, since a large number of satellites / gNBs unnecessarily needs to receive and process the paging message. Additionally, each satellite / gNB 126i, 1262 and 1263 typically pages the UE 128 on all active beams, as the gNB does not know the actual position of the UE 128 in terms of its actual location. This may lead to a significant power inefficiency, since a large number of beams unnecessarily needs to be used to page the UE 128.

[0021] Therefore, there is the need for improvements or enhancements with respect to paging procedure to be used in NTN.

[0022] It is noted that the information in the above section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form prior art and is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein making reference to the appended drawings.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a wireless communication system;

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a NTN as well as transmissions in the NTN for a legacy paging procedure, by of example for 5G NR [1];

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a NTN with a plurality of satellites as well as a beam pattern within the satellite footprint / AMF service area;

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless communication system comprising a transceiver, like a base station or a relay, and a plurality of communication devices, like UEs, according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a base station (e.g., gNB);

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a UE;

[0030] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 6

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a core network entity (e.g., AMF);

[0032] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network as well as a beam pattern (e.g., time-location plan) of a satellite of the non-terrestrial network;

[0033] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network as well as a beam pattern configuration of a satellite beam serving one or more UEs;

[0034] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern time-plan;

[0035] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern for different UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam;

[0036] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of beam on-duration adaptation;

[0037] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern for different SSBs within the beam coverage;

[0038] Fig. 14 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a base station implemented on a satellite as well as a beam time-location plan (e.g., for regenerative payload);

[0039] Fig. 15 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a base station implemented on a satellite as well as a beam time-location plan at time instant t1 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t1);

[0040] Fig. 16 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a base station implemented on a satellite as well as a beam time-location plan at time instant t2 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t2);

[0041] Fig. 17 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a base station implemented on a satellite as well as a beam time-location plan at time instant t3 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t3);

[0042] Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network as well as an AMF service area provided by many satellites / gNBs of the non-terrestrial network;

[0043] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 7

[0044] Fig. 19 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network as well as well as a satellite switchover / gNB handover;

[0045] Fig. 20 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a transparent satellite as well as beam pattern time-location plan (e.g., fortransparent payload);

[0046] Fig. 21 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network with a distributed unit (DU) on board the satellite and centralized unit (CU) on the ground as well as a beam pattern time-location plan (e.g.., for a CU / DU split architecture); and

[0047] Fig. 22 illustrates an example of a computer system on which units or modules as well as the steps of the methods described in accordance with the inventive approach may execute.

[0048] Equal or equivalent elements or elements with equal or equivalent functionality are denoted in the following description by equal or equivalent reference numerals.

[0049] In the following description, a plurality of details is set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention. In addition, features of the different embodiments described hereinafter may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0050] As indicated above, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) an essential part of 5G-Advanced and 6G networks. In the current 3GPP Release19, regenerative payload is being discussed in a new work item (Wl), where a full gNB is implemented on board a satellite. From an architecture perspective, a satellite footprint consists of at least one tracking area (TA), wherein each tracking area (TA) might be covered by many satellite beams. At each time instant, some beams might be on (i.e. active) while others might be off (i.e. inactive) as a result of the applied beam pattern, where the satellite is not able to have all of its beams active at the same time.

[0051] Due to the large satellite footprint and the limited power on board the satellite, the satellite might not be able to provide coverage for the whole footprint at the same time, as this may require a large number of active beams and power. As a result, beam management techniques such as beam hopping and beam switching are being discussed for NTN, where the satellite

[0052] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 8 may be able to optimize its beam allocation to cover the whole footprint by switching some beams on while other beams are off. Each satellite beam may follow a certain pattern for on and off switching.

[0053] Embodiments described herein provide a solution for improving (or optimizing) the paging procedure to be used in NTN by taking into account the predictable nature of the movement of the satellite and the large coverage area of the satellite, in combination with the allocation of active beams over time and location.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a wireless communication system or network as depicted in Figs. 1 to 3 including a core network entity, a base station and an UE. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless communication system 210 comprising a core network entity 203 connected to a satellite gateway 200, a base station 201 implemented, for example, on a satellite 206, and one or more UEs 202i to 202n. The core network entity 203 might include a signal processor 203a. The satellite gateway 200 might include one or more antennas ANT or an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements, a signal processor 200a and a transceiver unit 200b. The base station 201 might include one or more antennas ANT or an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements, a signal processor 201a and a transceiver unit 201b. The UEs 202 might include one or more antennas ANT or an antenna array having a plurality of antennas, a processor 202ai to 202an, and a transceiver (e.g., receiver and / or transmitter) unit 202bi to 202bn. The core network entity 203, the base station 201 and / or the one or more UEs 202 may operate in accordance with the inventive teachings described herein. Note that in Fig. 4 it is exemplarily assumed that the base station 201 is implemented on the satellite. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the base station also can be implemented on ground, where in this case the satellite can be a transparent satellite. Further, it is also possible a centralized unit is implemented on ground and a distributed unit on the satellite.

[0055] Embodiments provide an user equipment for a [e.g., 5G I NR] wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment is served by one or more satellite beams [e.g., out of a plurality of different satellite beams] of one or more satellites of the wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment is configured to transmit an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., or describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of the user equipment [e.g., within a service area], wherein the user equipment is configured to receive a paging message [e.g., from one or more satellites] via the one or more satellite beams.

[0056] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 9

[0057] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to transmit the assistance information to at least one out of a satellite of the one or more satellites, a base station of the wireless communication network, a core network entity of the wireless communication network.

[0058] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to receive serving beam related information, the serving beam related information indicating one or more out of a beam identity of the one or more satellite beams, a satellite index of the one or more satellites, an on-duration [or dwell time] of the one or more satellite beams, a periodicity of the one or more satellite beams.

[0059] In embodiments, the assistance information indicates [e.g., or describes] the [e.g., coarse] position of the user equipment based on the serving beam related information.

[0060] In embodiments, the assistance information indicates [e.g., or describes] the position of the user equipment by means of at least one out of the beam identity of the one or more satellite beams, the satellite index of the one or more satellites, a base station index of a base station serving the user equipment.

[0061] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to determine the position of the user equipment based on the serving beam related information.

[0062] In embodiments, at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellite beams is associated with a synchronization signal block, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine a start of an on-duration [or dwell time] of the at least one satellite beam based on a time instant of a reception of the synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam.

[0063] In embodiments, at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellite beams is associated with a plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, wherein the user equipment is associated with one synchronization signal block of the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, wherein the user equipment is configured to determine a start of an on-duration [or dwell time] of the at least one satellite beam based on a time instant of a

[0064] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 10 reception of a respective synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam and associated with the user equipment.

[0065] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to determine the on-duration [or dwell time] [e.g., length of the on-duration or dwell time] of the satellite beam further based on an individual serving beam related information indicating a length of the on-duration [or dwell time] individually for the user equipment.

[0066] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to receive a message [e.g., paging message] using the respective satellite beam during the determined on-duration [or dwell time].

[0067] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to transmit a message using the respective satellite beam during the determined on-duration [or dwell time].

[0068] In embodiments, the user equipment is configured to wake-up at a paging occasion for receiving the paging message.

[0069] Further embodiments provide a base station for a [e.g., 5G I NR] wireless communication network, wherein the base station is configured to transmit a satellite beam pattern information to a core network entity [e.g., access and mobility management function or mobility management entity], the satellite beam pattern information indicating [e.g., describing] a satellite beam pattern, wherein the base station is configured to receive an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of a user equipment [e.g., within a service area], wherein the base station is configured to select, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment [e.g., in a future time instant], at least one satellite beam of a satellite out of a plurality of different satellite beams based on the position of the user equipment and the satellite beam pattern, wherein the base station is configured to transmit the paging message to the user equipment using the selected at least one satellite beam.

[0070] In embodiments, the selected at least one satellite beam is a proper subset [e.g. exactly one] of the plurality of different satellite beams.

[0071] In embodiments, the assistance information indicates [e.g., or describes] the position of the user equipment by means of at least one out of a beam identity of a satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams [e.g., serving the user equipment or covering the position of the user equipment],

[0072] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 11 a satellite index of a satellite out of the at least one satellite [e.g., serving the user equipment or covering a position of the user equipment], a base station index of a base station [e.g., serving the user equipment], a global navigation satellite system based position, a wireless communication network based position.

[0073] In embodiments, the base station is configured to forward the assistance information to the core network entity.

[0074] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the satellite beam pattern information to the core network entity via an NG interface [e.g., using an NGAP protocol] or an S1 interface [e.g., using an S1AP protocol].

[0075] In embodiments, the satellite beam pattern indicates [e.g., or describes] which geographical areas of the service area are covered by respective satellite beams of the plurality of different satellite beams, and which of the plurality of different satellite beams are active and / or inactive at different time instants.

[0076] In embodiments, the satellite beam pattern indicates [e.g., or describes] a time-location plan of the plurality of different satellite beams.

[0077] In embodiments, the satellite beam pattern indicates [e.g., or describes] for each satellite beam a beam on-duration [or dwell time] and / or a beam periodicity.

[0078] In embodiments, the satellite beam pattern indicates [e.g., or describes] for each satellite beam a geographical area covered by the respective satellite beam [e.g., by means of a beam diameter and coordinates of a beam center].

[0079] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit serving beam related information to the user equipment, the serving beam related information indicating one or more out of a beam identity of one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment [e.g., or covering a position of the user equipment], a satellite index of the one or more satellites serving the user equipment, an on-duration [or dwell time] of the one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment [e.g., or covering a position of the user equipment],

[0080] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 12 a periodicity of the one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment [e.g., or covering a position of the user equipment].

[0081] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the serving beam related information to the user equipment via a system information message [e.g., SIB1 or SIB19] or a random access message [e.g., RAR or MSG4],

[0082] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit, in response to receiving an updated assistance information from the user equipment, an updated serving beam related information to the user equipment.

[0083] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the updated serving beam related information via downlink control information, a medium access control control element or dedicated radio resource control signaling.

[0084] For example, the methods for transmitting the serving beam related information could be in addition to system information messages, messages such as RAR and MSG4 during RACH procedure. Additionally, the gNB could update the beam pattern information using other methods in RRC_CONNECTED state such as DCI in PDCCH, MAC CE in PDSCH, or dedicated RRC signaling.

[0085] In embodiments, the base station is configured to select the at least one satellite beam further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment.

[0086] In embodiments, the base station is configured to select the at least one satellite beam further based on ephemeris data [e.g. associated with the serving satellite].

[0087] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the user equipment and / or to a core network entity [e.g., access and mobility management function or mobility management entity].

[0088] For example, the base station could forward the assistance information to the core network. The assistance information could be reported directly to the core network or through the base station.

[0089] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 13

[0090] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the user equipment via a system information message [e.g., SIB1 or SIB19] or a random access message [e.g., RAR or MSG4],

[0091] In embodiments, the base station is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the core network entity via an NG interface [e.g., using an NGAP protocol] or an S1 interface [e.g., using an S1AP protocol].

[0092] In embodiments, the assistance information further indicates [e.g., or describes] a timing advance, wherein the base station is configured to select as the at least one satellite beam one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, or more than one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, in dependence on the timing advance.

[0093] In embodiments, at least one satellite beam of the plurality of satellite beams is associated with a synchronization signal block, wherein the base station is configured to transmit to the user equipment the synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam in order to signal to the user equipment a start of an on-duration [or dwell time] of the at least one satellite beam.

[0094] In embodiments, at least one satellite beam of the plurality of satellite beams is associated with a plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, one synchronization signal block of the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks being associated with the user equipment [e.g., and another synchronization signal block of the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks being associated with another user equipment], wherein the base station is configured to transmit the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks using the at least one satellite beam in order to signal to the user equipment by means of the one synchronization signal block associated with the user equipment a start of an on-duration [or dwell time] of the at least one satellite beam.

[0095] In embodiments, the base station is configured to signal the on-duration [or dwell time] [e.g., length of the on-duration or dwell time] to the user equipment using a system information message [e.g., SIB1 or SIB19],

[0096] In embodiments, the base station is configured to adjust [e.g., or adapt] the on-duration [or dwell time] for the user equipment based on a maximum possible propagation delay between the satellite and the user equipment for the at least one satellite beam.

[0097] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 14

[0098] In embodiments, the base station is configured to adjust [e.g., or adapt] the on-duration [or dwell time] based on a timing advance reported by the user equipment.

[0099] In embodiments, the base station is configured to signal the adjusted [e.g., or adapted] on- duration [or dwell time] [e.g., length of the on-duration or dwell time] to the user equipment using a random access message [e.g., RAR or MSG4] during initial access or using downlink control information, a medium access control control element or radio resource control signaling in a connected state [e.g., RRC_CONNECTED state].

[0100] In embodiments, the base station is configured to receive the assistance information as part of a registration request.

[0101] In embodiments, the base station is configured to receive the assistance information in a previous connected state [e.g., a previous radio resource control active state].

[0102] In embodiments, the base station is configured to receive the assistance information during a random access procedure [e.g., using a random access messages [e.g., RAR or MSG4]].

[0103] In embodiments, the base station is implemented on board the satellite.

[0104] In embodiments, the base station is implemented on ground, wherein the base station is configured to communicate with the user equipment via the satellite [e.g. to use the satellite for forwarding the paging message to the user equipment].

[0105] In embodiments, the base station comprises a centralized unit and a distributed unit, wherein the centralized unit implemented on ground, and wherein the distributed unit is implemented on board the satellite.

[0106] In embodiments, the centralized unit and the distributed unit are connected via a F1 interface.

[0107] Further embodiments provide a core network entity [e.g., core network node or module] for a [e.g., 5G I NR] wireless communication network, wherein the core network entity is configured to receive an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of a user equipment [e.g., within a service area], wherein the core network entity is configured to select, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment [e.g., in a future time instant], at least one satellite out of a plurality of different satellites based

[0108] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 15 on the position of the user equipment and based on a plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites, each satellite beam pattern being associated with a respective satellite, wherein the core network entity is configured to transmit the paging message [e.g., via a base station] to the user equipment using the selected one or more satellites.

[0109] In embodiments, the selected at least one satellite is a proper subset [e.g., exactly one] of the plurality of satellites of the wireless communication network.

[0110] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to select, for transmitting the paging message to the user equipment, at least one satellite beam out of a plurality of different satellite beams of the selected at least one satellite based on the position of the user equipment and based on a respective satellite beam pattern of the selected at least one satellite.

[0111] In embodiments, the at least one satellite beam is a proper subset [e.g. exactly one] of the plurality of different satellite beams.

[0112] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to determine a paging occasion and / or a paging frame [e.g., time of paging] for the user equipment based on the assistance information, ephemeris data [e.g., indicating the trajectories of one or more satellites of the plurality of different satellites] and the plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites.

[0113] In embodiments, the assistance information indicates [e.g., or describes] the position of the user equipment by means of at least one out of a beam identity of a satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams [e.g., serving the user equipment or covering the position of the user equipment], a satellite index of a satellite out of the at least one satellite [e.g., serving the position of the user equipment], a base station index of a base station [e.g., serving the user equipment], a global navigation satellite system based position, a wireless communication network based position.

[0114] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive satellite beam pattern information, the satellite beam pattern information indicating [e.g., describing] the plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites.

[0115] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 16

[0116] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive the satellite beam pattern information via an NG interface [e.g., using an NGAP protocol] or an S1 interface [e.g., using an S1AP protocol].

[0117] In embodiments, each of the satellite beam patterns indicates [e.g., or describes] which geographical areas of a service area are covered by respective satellite beams of the plurality of different satellite beams of a respective satellite, and which of the plurality of different satellite beams are active and / or inactive at different time instants.

[0118] In embodiments, each of the satellite beam patterns indicates [e.g., or describes] a timelocation plan of a plurality of different satellite beams of a respective satellite.

[0119] In embodiments, each of the satellite beam patterns indicates [e.g., or describes] for each satellite beam a beam on-duration [or dwell time] and / or a beam periodicity.

[0120] In embodiments, each of the satellite beam patterns indicates [e.g., or describes] for each satellite beam a geographical area covered by the respective satellite beam [e.g., by means of a beam diameter and coordinates of a beam center].

[0121] In embodiments, each of the beam patterns indicates [e.g., or describes] for each satellite beam a beam index and satellite index.

[0122] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to select the at least one satellite [or base station] out of the plurality of satellites [or base stations] further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment.

[0123] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to select the at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellites further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment.

[0124] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to select the at least one satellite [or base station] out of the plurality of satellites [or base stations] further based on ephemeris data.

[0125] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to select the at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellites further based on ephemeris data.

[0126] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 17

[0127] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive the ephemeris data from a base station [e.g., associated with the satellite].

[0128] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive the ephemeris data via an NG interface [e.g., using an NGAP protocol] or an S1 interface [e.g., using an S1AP protocol].

[0129] In embodiments, the assistance information further describes a timing advance, wherein the core network entity is configured to select as the at least one satellite beam one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, or more than one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, in dependence on the timing advance.

[0130] In embodiments, the core network entity implements an access and mobility management function or mobility management entity.

[0131] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive the assistance information directly from the user equipment [e.g., using a Non Access Stratum, NAS, message].

[0132] In embodiments, the core network entity is configured to receive the assistance information via a base station of the wireless communication network.

[0133] For example, the core network entity could receive the assistance information either directly from the UE using NAS messages, or through the base station / satellite, where the UE reports the assistance information to the base station / satellite in a previous RRC_CONNECTED state, or by utilizing other messages during the RACH procedure such as RAR or MSG4.

[0134] Further embodiments provide a wireless communication network I system comprising at least a user equipment according to an embodiment described herein, a base station according to an embodiment described herein and a core network entity according to an embodiment described herein.

[0135] Further embodiments provide a method for operating a user equipment for receiving a paging message in a wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment is served by one or more satellite beams [e.g., out of a plurality of different satellite beams] of one or more satellites of the wireless communication network. The method comprises a step of transmitting an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., or describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of the user equipment [e.g., within a service area]. The method comprises a

[0136] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 18 step of receiving the paging message [e.g., from a satellite of the one or more satellites] via the one or more satellite beams.

[0137] Further embodiments provide a method for operating a base station for transmitting a paging message in a wireless communication network. The method comprises a step of transmitting a satellite beam pattern information to a core network entity [e.g., access and mobility management function or mobility management entity], the satellite beam pattern information indicating [e.g., describing] a satellite beam pattern. The method comprises a step of receiving an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of a user equipment[e.g., within a service area]. The method comprises a step of selecting, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment [e.g., in a future time instant], at least one satellite beam of a satellite out of a plurality of different satellite beams based on the position of the user equipment and the satellite beam pattern. The method comprises a step of transmitting the paging message to the user equipment using the selected at least one satellite beam.

[0138] Further embodiments provide a method for operating a core network entity for transmitting a paging message in a wireless communication network. The method comprises a step of receiving an assistance information, the assistance information indicating [e.g., describing] a [e.g., coarse] position of a user equipment [e.g., within a service area]. The method comprises a step of selecting, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment [e.g., in a future time instant], at least one satellite out of a plurality of different satellites based on the position of the user equipment and based on satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites, each satellite beam pattern being associated with a respective satellite. The method comprises a step of transmitting the paging message [e.g., via a base station] to the user equipment using the selected at least one satellite beam of the selected one or more satellites.

[0139] Embodiments provide an optimized beam-based paging mechanism, which takes the predictable nature of NTN as well as the beam pattern over the satellite footprint into account in order to have an efficient resource utilization and reduced signaling overhead.

[0140] Subsequently, embodiments are described in further detail. Thereby, some embodiments are described making reference for illustration purposes to 5G I NR, e.g., by using terms as gNB or AMF. However, the present invention is not restricted to 5G I NR. Quite the contrary, these embodiments can be applied in the same or similar way to LTE, where in this case the gNB can be, for example, an eNB, the AMF can be, for example, a MME, and / or NGAP interface can be, for example, an S1AP interface.

[0141] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 19

[0142] The general idea is to provide the AMF and / or the gNB with assistance information that helps optimizing the paging procedure in NTN in case of a dynamic beam pattern scenarios. For example, in embodiments, one or more of the following aspects may apply:

[0143] According to a first aspect, ephemeris data of each satellite can be made available at the gNB and / or the AMF, e.g., via the NG interface in an NGAP message (in case of 5G NR) or via the S1 interface in an S1AP message (in case of LTE).

[0144] Optionally, the ephemeris data may be sent from a serving gNB towards the AMF (as mentioned above), via a couple of satellites / gNBs over the Xn interface using an XnAP message, X2 interface using an X2AP message, and an inter satellite link (ISL) in case the serving gNB has no direct connection with the AMF.

[0145] According to a second aspect, a beam pattern of each satellite may be made available at the gNB and / or the AMF. The beam pattern may be defined by a beams time-location plan as described in section 4.

[0146] According to a third aspect, a beam identity may be defined by a combination of a satellite index and a beam index.

[0147] According to a fourth aspect, the beam pattern may be transmitted from each satellite / gNB to the AMF, in the same way as described for the ephemeris data.

[0148] According to a fifth aspect, the availability of the ephemeris data and the beam pattern at the core network (e.g., AMF) can help the AMF in optimizing the allocation of paging frames (PFs) and paging occasions (POs) for paging the UE.

[0149] According to a sixth aspect, the availability of ephemeris data as well as the beam pattern at the AMF may help the AMF to identify the serving satellite / gNB / distributed unit (DU) and to forward the paging message to the serving satellite / gNB / DU at every time instant, as well as to predict which satellite / gNB / DU to be used to forward the paging message to the UE in the subsequent time instants using the satellite index / identity associated with the corresponding beam pattern.

[0150] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 20

[0151] According to a seventh aspect, the serving beam-related information may be transmitted to the UE by the base station, e.g., using system information messages as will be explained below. The ephemeris data may optionally be transmitted to the UE via SIB19.

[0152] According to an eighth aspect, the UE in RRCJDLE state within the legacy TAs registration update message may provide at least one of the following assistant information to the CN (e.g., AMF) and / or BS relating to an active beam received by the UE:

[0153] Satellite beam identity

[0154] Beam index

[0155] Satellite index gNB Index

[0156] GNSS-based location

[0157] Timing Advance (TA)

[0158] GNSS-independent positioning method: i. AMF-based location, ii. NG-RAN-based location, or iii. UE-based location.

[0159] According to a tenth aspect, the UE in RRC_ACTIVE state may report at least one of the following information, e.g., in NAS messages to the gNB, which could be forwarded to the AMF e.g., over the NGAP interface (e.g., via a UE context release complete message):

[0160] Satellite beam identity

[0161] Beam index

[0162] Satellite index gNB Index

[0163] GNSS-based location

[0164] Timing Advance (TA)

[0165] GNSS-independent positioning method: i. AMF-based location, ii. NG-RAN-based location, iii. UE-based location.

[0166] According to an eleventh aspect, the information according to one of the aspects eight to ten may serve as assistance information that may help the gNB to optimize the subsequent paging procedures (e.g., a first paging attempt targeting a specific beam and / or a second paging attempt targeting multiple beams). Additionally, the gNB would be able to optimize the paging procedure for UEs which are at the center of the beam or at the edge of the beam.

[0167] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 21

[0168] According to a twelfth aspect, the information according to one of the aspects eight to ten may serve as assistance information that may help the AMF optimize the subsequent paging procedures (e.g., first paging attempt was not successful), where the AMF may be able to predict which satellite / gNB is going to serve the UE at different time instants as well as under scenarios such as gNB / handover and satellite switchover.

[0169] According to a thirteenth aspect, additionally and / or alternatively, the UE could trigger a location update to the core network (e.g., AMF) in case of a satellite / gNB on-board switchover instead of using a legacy registered TAs update, which includes the assistance information mentioned in aspects eight to ten.

[0170] According to a fourteenth aspect, the beam pattern may allow the gNB to optimize its paging procedure. For example, the RRC paging message may only be sent on a serving SSB (NR beam) or satellite beam instead of the legacy procedure where the RRC paging message is sent over all SSBs within an SSB burst.

[0171] 1. _ Exemplary functionality of the base station (beam selection)

[0172] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a base station 201 (e.g., gNB). As shown in Fig. 5, the base station 201 receives a paging message 230 to be transmitted to a UE, ephemeris data 232, beam pattern information 234 indicating a beam pattern and assistance information 236 indicating a coarse position of the UE. Based on the received information, the base station determines an active beam and / or SSB for paging the UE and, for example, obtains / provides and information 238 describing active beam and / or SSB for paging the UE. Specifically, the processing by the base station includes determining a correct satellite beam / NR beam (SSB) for paging message and optionally providing further assistance information to the core network (e.g., AMF). Further, the base station can transmit serving beam related information to the UE, such as for example, a beam index, a satellite index, a beam identity (e.g., combination of beam index and satellite index), an on-duration of a satellite beam and / or a periodicity of a satellite beam.

[0173] Subsequently, an exemplary beam selection procedure is described.

[0174] In embodiments, the gNB may receive a paging message for paging a UE. Based on assistance information indicating a coarse position of the UE, ephemeris data associated with the satellite and a beam pattern associated with the satellite, the gNB determines a suitable

[0175] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 22 active beam at a suitable time instant, which covers the UE. The gNB can also determine a suitable SSB associated with the active beam and transmits the paging message via the selected beam.

[0176] Optionally, the gNB may determine one or more additional active beams which may cover locations adjacent to the initially selected beam in order to widen the geographical area for paging the UE. This could be based on the timing advance (TA) or location of the UE that is reported as part of the assistance information reported by the UE. For this purpose, the gNB determines additional suitable SSBs associated with the additional active beams and transmits the paging message additionally via the additional active beams.

[0177] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a UE 202i. As shown in Fig. 6, the UE 202i can receive a paging message 239. Further, the UE 202i receives ephemeris data 240 and serving beam related information 242 and provides assistance information 244 indicating a coarse position of the UE 202i. Specifically, the processing by the UE 202i includes triggering of location update under certain conditions and reporting assistance information to the gNB / AMF.

[0178] Subsequently, an exemplary provision of assistant information is described.

[0179] In embodiments, for assisting the gNB and / or the AMF, the UE may provide assistance information to be processed by the gNB and / or AMF. Such assistance information preferably indicates a coarse position of the UE, such that the AMF may select a suitable gNB / satellite, and such that the gNB / satellite may select a suitable active beam for transmitting a paging message to the UE. Additionally, the assistance information reported by the UE along with ephemeris data and the beam pattern help the gNB predicts the satellite beams that may cover the UE at future time instants, and help the AMF predicts the satellites / gNBs / DUs that may serve the UE at future time instants.

[0180] For example, the coarse position of the UE may be indicated based on at least one out of:

[0181] Satellite beam identity

[0182] Satellite index gNB Index

[0183] GNSS-based location

[0184] Timing Advance (TA)

[0185] GNSS-independent positioning method:

[0186] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 23 i. AMF-based location, ii. NG-RAN-based location, or iii. UE-based location.

[0187] In embodiments, based on the Timing Advance, the gNB and / or AMF may, for example, determine whether the UE is located near the center or the edge of a beam.

[0188] 3. Exemplary functionality of the core network entity (satellite / gNB Selection)

[0189] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a core network entity 203 (e.g., AMF). As shown in Fig. 7, the core network entity 203 receives a paging message 250 to be transmitted to a UE or generates a paging message 252 based on incoming messages (e.g., data or voice call), ephemeris data 254, beam pattern information 256 indicating a beam pattern and assistance information 258 indicating a coarse position of the UE. Based on the received information, the core network entity provides the paging message for the UE to a serving base station (e.g., gNB) along with time instant. Specifically, the processing by the core network entity includes forwarding of a paging message to serving gBN / Satellite and determining geographical location(s) of beam(s).

[0190] Subsequently, an exemplary satellite / gNB selection procedure is described.

[0191] In embodiments, for selecting a suitable satellite / gNB for paging the UE, the AMF receives ephemeris data and beam patterns for all (or a subset of) the satellites / gNBs associated with the AMF. Using assistance information indicating a coarse position of the UE, the AMF may now select a suitable satellite / gNB which will be in reach of the UE.

[0192] In embodiments, the AMF may be able to predict the satellite / gNB that is going to cover the UE at future time instants under scenarios such as gNB handover, satellite handover, and Feeder-link switchover. Using the beam patterns within the procedure may particularly be advantageous if multiple satellites / gNBs are in reach of the UE. In this case, for example, the satellite / gNB providing a more preferably beam (e.g. in terms of size and / or visibility) may be selected by the AMF.

[0193] In embodiments, the AMF may select suitable paging frames / paging occasions for paging the UE based on the time instant and the duration during which a particular satellite / gNB is going to cover the UE and based on the beams pattern of that particular satellite / gNB.

[0194] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 24

[0195] 4. structure of the beam

[0196] In embodiments, the beam pattern is a beam-time-location plan, which describes the active and / or inactive beams at a specific time, and is applicable for different scenarios such as beam hopping, beam switching, and beam sweeping. The beam pattern is scheduled dynamically by the gNB based on the available power on board the satellite, the diameter of the beam, the satellite footprint, the service demand, and the distribution of the UEs within the satellite footprint. Subsequently, the beam pattern information is available at the gNB / satellite, and is transmitted to the AMF in order to assist the AMF in scheduling and allocating their resources.

[0197] In embodiments, the beam pattern comprises beam identities, their time-location plan, and their power, where the beam identity is an association of both the beam index as well as the satellite index. The beam identity is used by the UE to identify its serving beam and serving satellite, and to report this information to the gNB / AMF.

[0198] In embodiments, the time-location plan of each beam can be defined by the following parameters:

[0199] Beam dwell time: The duration during which the beam is active (on-duration).

[0200] Beam periodicity: The periodicity of the beam.

[0201] Satellite Beam Identity.

[0202] Geographical location of the beam.

[0203] In embodiments, the starting point of the beam activation is indicated to the UE by receiving SSB, where the time instant at which the UE receives an SSB indicates the beginning on the beam on-duration as perceived by the UE.

[0204] This is depicted in Fig. 8, where a number of beams are active and the rest of the beams under the satellite coverage is inactive. Specifically, Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 comprising a core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200 and a satellite 206, e.g., having implemented a base station, as well as a beam pattern 260 (e.g., time-location plan) of the satellite 206 of the non-terrestrial network 120.

[0205] In embodiments, each satellite beam might be associated with an one or more SSBs as described in section 4.1 , where the time instant of the beginning of the satellite beam on- duration might be determined by the UE from the time instant, at which the UE receives the corresponding SSB transmitted on that satellite beam. The following common control signalling messages such as SIB1 or SIB19 are used to transmit the serving beam-related information

[0206] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 25 to the UE, which includes both the dwell time (beam on-duration) as well as the beam periodicity and beam identity. The beam on-duration transmitted at this stage is the maximum beam on-duration, which is going to be adjusted later as described section 4.1. This would allow the UE within the satellite beam and during the on-duration to have the needed information to decide when to listen to downlink transmissions and when to send its uplink transmissions, as a UE during the beam off-duration is not required to listen to downlink transmissions including paging signalling, as well as not required to transmit uplink transmissions such as PRACH (Physical random access channel) messages.

[0207] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 comprising a core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200 and a satellite 260, e.g., having implemented a base station, as well as a beam pattern configuration 262 of a satellite beam serving one or more UEs. As indicated in Fig. 9, the beam patent configuration 262 may indicate or describe a beam on-duration 263, a beam off duration 264 and a beam on-duration 265. Thereby, a beam dwell-time may correspond to the beam on-duration, where a beam periodicity may correspond to the sum of beam on-duration and beam off-duration. At each time instant, the gNB is going to send SSBs to all UEs located within the satellite beams to be activated at that specific time instant. Additionally, those UEs are going to receive the subsequent common control signaling messages, such as SIB1 , SIB19, or other signaling messages that is going to provide the UE with additional configuration regarding the beam dwell time and periodicity as already mentioned.

[0208] An example of a beam pattern time-plan is depicted in Fig. 10, where the satellite might require 1000 beams to cover its footprint, while due to power constraints as well as hardware constraints, the satellite is only capable of activating 100 beams at the same time. In this scenario, the beams are grouped into groups of 100 beams that are going to be activated at the same time.

[0209] Specifically, Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern time-plan. Each beam is going to cover a certain geographical location within the satellite footprint depending on the diameter of the satellite beam. The satellite beams are distributed on the ground as part of a beams-location-plan, which is specified by the operator and pre-defined on board the satellite.

[0210] In embodiments, the beam pattern configuration can be defined by one or more of the following parameters:

[0211] Beam identity

[0212] Beam dwell time (beam on-duration)

[0213] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 26

[0214] Beam peridocity

[0215] Beam location

[0216] Beam power

[0217] In embodiments, the beam location can be defined by the beam diameter as well as the coordination of the center of the beam predefined by the operator.

[0218] In embodiments, the information of the beam pattern above can be transmitted from the satellite to the gNB in case of a transparent payload or internally in case of a gNB on board the satellite. Additionally, the beam pattern can be transmitted from the satellite to the distributed unit (DU) on board the satellite, to be forwarded to the centralized unit (CU) over the F1 interface.

[0219] In embodiments, the beam pattern information-related to the serving beam only (not all information related to all beams, which is available at the base station / satellite) can be broadcasted from the gNB to the UE using common control signalling as well other dedicated signalling such as RRC, DCI, and MAC CE as explained below. Additionally, the beam pattern information might be transmitted to the AMF over the NG interface to assist the AMF allocating the serving satellite / gNB at a specific time instant, as well as to page the UE at a specific beam at a specific time instant.

[0220] In embodiments, the full beam pattern information including information on all beams covered by the satellite is available at the satellite / base station, and might be forwarded to the core network to assist the paging procedure. But only the serving beam-related information is going to be sent by the base station / satellite to the UE, which includes as already mentioned one or more out of:

[0221] • The serving beam identity

[0222] • The serving beam on-duration

[0223] • The serving beam periodicity (optionally)

[0224] The beam-related on-duration parameter is transmitted by the base station / satellite to the UE as the following:

[0225] 4.1 Beam pattern for different UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam:

[0226] From the perspective of the UE, the UE may only see SSB but not a satellite beam. For the UE, the time instant of the start of the on-duration of satellite beam and the time instant of the

[0227] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 27 receiving of the SSB are the same. From the satellite perspective, the on-duration of the satellite beam might have started before receiving an SSB by the UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam.

[0228] The time instant of receiving the SSB is used by the network to indicate to the UE the on- duration (dwell time) of the satellite beam relative to this time instant.

[0229] Here we might distinguish between two cases:

[0230] 4.1.1 Each satellite beam is associated with one SSB:

[0231] According to a first case, each satellite beam is associated with one SSB.

[0232] In this case, and due to the differential delay within the coverage of the satellite beam, the time instant of receiving the SSB transmission is used by the gNB / satellite to indicate to the UE the start of the on-duration of the satellite beam, where the SSB might reach the UEs at different time instants, as indicated in Fig. 11.

[0233] Specifically, Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern for different UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam. As indicated in Fig. 11 , a specific beam of the gNB / satellite 206 may be operated using a beam on-duration 263 and a beam off-duration 264, where the start of the beam on-duration 263 is indicated to a first UE 202i and a second UE 2022 using an SSB.

[0234] In embodiments, every UE would see the satellite beam at a different time instant depending on the time instant in which the SSB reaches the UE. In the example of Fig. 11 , the propagation delay between the satellite 206 and UE2 2022 is larger than the one between the satellite 206 and UE1 202i, so UE2 2022 is going to see the satellite beam delayed compared to UE1 202i. This leads to a variation of the beam on-duration and the beam off-duration at the UEs. As indicated, the first UE 202i may perceive due to the propagation delay of the SSB a reduced beam on-duration 263’ when compared to the beam on-duration 263 at the satellite 206 and an extended beam off-duration 264’ when compared to the beam off-duration 264 at the satellite 206. The second UE 2022 may perceive due to the propagation delay of the SSB a further reduced beam on-duration 263” when compared to the beam on-duration 263 at the satellite 206 and a further extended beam off-duration 264” when compared to the beam off- duration 264 at the satellite 206.

[0235] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 28

[0236] Important is that all UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam stop transmitting / receiving at the end of the on-duration of the satellite beam. To do so, the satellite / gNB may signal this information to the UEs depending on their distance from the satellite / gNB.

[0237] To do so, in embodiments, the satellite may assume a maximum on-duration for the satellite beam (beam dwell time) taking into account the worst case scenario within the satellite beam (the largest distance between the satellite and a UE within the coverage of the satellite beam). Every UE then would be covered by the satellite beam in a duration which euqals to:

[0238] In embodiments, a UE perceived beam dwell time can be equal to a difference between a satellite beam dwell time and the propagation delay between the satellite and the UE (e.g., UE perceived beam dwell time = satellite beam dwell time - the propagation delay between the satellite and the UE).

[0239] In embodiments, the satellite may determine the propagation delay of the UE in order to adapt / adjust the proper on-duration for the satellite beam as perceived by the UE. This information is not available to the satellite before the UE transmits a PRACH message to the satellite / gNB.

[0240] In embodiments, the satellite / gNB might indicate the satellite beam on-duration as seen by the satellite to all UEs within its coverage using system information messages such as SIB1 , or SIB19.

[0241] Later, and after receiving a PRACH from the UE, which includes information such as the timing advance (TA), that helps the satellite / gNB calculates the propagation delay, the satellite might be able to adjust the on-duration for every UE individually, so that every UE would stop transmitting / receiving at the same time instant. The satellite might update the on-duration perceived by the UE using downlink signaling messages such as RAR or MSG4. This is depicted Fig. 12.

[0242] Specifically, Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of beam on-duration adaptation. Similar to Fig. 11 , a specific beam of the gNB / satellite 206 may be operated using a beam on-duration

[0243] 263 and a beam off-duration 264, where the start of the beam on-duration 263 is indicated to a UE 202i using an SSB, where the UE 202i may experience due to the propagation delay of the SSB a reduced beam on-duration 263’ when compared to the beam on-duration 263 at the satellite 206 and an extended beam off-duration 264’ when compared to the beam off-duration

[0244] 264 at the satellite 206.

[0245] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 29

[0246] In embodiments, the start of the on-duration of the satellite beam is perceived by every UE differently depending on their distance from the satellite. The beginning of the off-duration should be the same for all UEs. At first, the satellite / gNB indicates the same beam on-duration for all UEs under the coverage of that satellite beam using system information messages. Later, and based on further information received from the UEs during PRACH, the gNB / satellite dynamically adjusts the beam on-duration for every UE individually using messages such as RAR (Random Access Response) or msg4 in the RACH procedure.

[0247] In embodiments, the satellite / gNB might adjust the beam on-duration for the UEs during the RRC_Connected state later using DCI (Downlink Control Information) in the PDCCH or MAC CE (Channel element) in the PDSCH, or using dedicated RRC signalling.

[0248] 4.1.2 Each satellite beam is associated with more than one SSB:

[0249] According to a second case, each satellite beam is associated with more than one SSB.

[0250] In this scenario, the UEs within the coverage of the satellite beam might receive different SSBs, which are transmitted by the gNB time-multiplexed in an SSB-burst, which could have a duration of 5ms for example. Every SSB out of this SSB-burst might be either transmitted in one time slot or two SSBs might be transmitted within one time slot. Additional arrangements are also possible.

[0251] In this case, and in addition to what was already mentioned in the first scenario using one SSB, which takes the propagation delay of the different UEs within the satellite beam into account, in embodiments, the satellite / gNB may take into account the time difference of transmitting the different SSBs to the UEs within its coverage.

[0252] For example, and in case two SSBs were transmitted by the satellite / gNB to two different UEs, which for simplicity have the same propagation delays. In this case, and since the propagation delay is the same for both UEs, the only parameter impacting the starting time instant of the beam on-duration as perceived by the UEs is the time difference between transmitting these two SSBs (which are time multiplexed).

[0253] Even though, the UEs experience the same propagation delays, they are going to receive SSBs at different time instants since the satellite / gNB transmits these SSBs time-multiplexed. As a result, the beam on-duration as perceived by the UEs starts at different time instants.

[0254] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 30

[0255] Since the time difference between both SSBs is known to the satellite / gNB, it could compensate for it.

[0256] As already described in the previous section and depicted in Fig. 12, the satellite / gNB is going to indicate the maximum satellite beam on-duration (e.g., taking the worst case scenario into account) to all UEs using system information messages. Additionally, the satellite / gNB takes the SSB time multiplexing into account when indicating the on-duration for the beam to the UEs. For example, UE2, which receives SSB2 in Fig. 13 is going to be assigned a shorter beam on-duration compared to UE1 which receives SSB1. Later, the satellite / gNB adjusts the beam on-duration based on the propagation delay of the UEs as already explained.

[0257] Specifically, Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a beam pattern for different SSBs within the beam coverage. As indicated in Fig. 13, a specific beam of the gNB / satellite 206 may be operated using a beam on-duration 263 and a beam off-duration 264. In Fig. 13, transmission time instants of the respective SSBs indicating to the respective UEs 202i and 2022 the start of the beam on-duration 263 is adjusted, leading to adjusted beam-on durations 263’ and 263” at the respective UEs 202i and 2022.

[0258] 5. _ Detailed embodiment A: Regenerative Payload; gNB on board the satellite

[0259] In this embodiment, a regenerative payload scenario is described in more detail, where the base station (e.g., gNB) is implemented on board the satellite, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0260] Specifically, Fig. 14 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 with a base station implemented on a satellite 206 as well as a beam pattern 260 or beam timelocation plan (e.g., for regenerative payload).

[0261] As shown in Fig. 14, the communication network 210 comprises a core network entity 203, such as an access and mobility function (e.g., AMF), as part of the 5G core network (5GC). The AMF is connected to a gateway 200, which is connected to the gNB on board the satellite 206 via the satellite radio interface (SRI), which is carried over the feeder link. The NG interface is the logical interface connecting the gNB on board the satellite 206 with the AMF on the ground, which is carried over the feeder-link. The gNB on board the satellite 206 is connected to the UE 202i on ground via the logical interface Uu. In this example, the gNB on board the satellite 206 covers a geographical area on the ground, which is called the satellite footprint. The satellite footprint could have, for example, a diameter of a couple of hundred kilometres. The gNB on board the satellite 206 uses a specific beam pattern as mentioned in section 4, to

[0262] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 31 cover its footprint, as the available power on board the satellite is not enough to provide coverage to its entire footprint at the same time. The beam pattern information is described in section 4.

[0263] As an example, Fig. 15 depicts the NTN 210 of Fig. 14 with an exemplary beam pattern 260 at a specific time instant, in which 14 beams are active and providing coverage at a certain time instant, while the rest of the beams provided by the satellite are inactive.

[0264] Specifically, Fig. 15 shows schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 with core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200 and a base station implemented on a satellite 206 as well as a beam pattern 260 or beam time-location plan at time instant t1 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t1).

[0265] As shown in Fig. 15, the number of inactive beams and the number of active beams could be larger or smaller depending on how many beams the satellite could support in total and how many active beams the satellite could support depending on its capability.

[0266] At each time instant, a different number of active beams at different locations might be active, while the rest of the beams are inactive. This is depicted in Figs. 16 and 17, as the gNB / satellite allocates a different beam pattern at different time instants in a dynamic manner.

[0267] Specifically, Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of the non-terrestrial network 210 of Fig. 14 with an exemplary beam pattern 260 or beam time-location plan at time instant t2 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t2), where Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of the non-terrestrial network 210 of Fig. 14 with an exemplary beam pattern 260 or beam time-location plan at time instant t3 (e.g., indicating the active and inactive satellite beams at time instant t3).

[0268] As seen from the Figs. 15, 16 and 17, the UE 202i is allocated an active beam at time instants t1 and t3 but not t2.

[0269] In embodiments, the AMF is responsible for paging the UE and keeping track of the location of the UE in RRCJDLE mode. As soon as the AMF receives an incoming data / call / message to the UE, the AMF needs to page the UE. To do so, the AMF needs to identify the serving gNB / satellite serving the paged UE within the AMF service area, where the AMF service area could comprise of many satellites / gNBs as depcitd in Fig. 18.

[0270] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 32

[0271] Specifically, Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 comprising a core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200 and satellites 206i, 2062 and 2O63 having implemented gNBs thereon as well as an AMF service area 262 provided by the satellites / gNBs of the non-terrestrial network 210.

[0272] In embodiments, the AMF can be able to determine the timing, in which to allocate the paging frames (PFs) as well as the paging occasions (POs). In order for the AMF to achieve both targets, the AMF receives assistance information from both the gNB as well as the UE. The gNB is responsible for providing the AMF with ephemeris data as well as beam pattern. The ephemeris data indicates the trajectory of the gNB on board the satellite and the satellite footprint at a certain time instant. The ephemeris data may for example be provided by the gNB on board the satellite and transmitted to the AMF via the NG interface. The beam pattern indicates the active and inactive beams supported by the satellite at different time instants and their geographical locations within the satellite footprint. The beam pattern may for example be provided by the gNB on board the satellite and transmitted to the AMF via the NG interface.

[0273] In embodiments, both information allow the AMF to identify which satellite / gNB is going to provide coverage at a certain geographical area at a certain time instant as well as which beam is going to provide coverage at a certain geographical location within the satellite footprint at a certain time instant. Additionally, the AMF could be able to predict which satellite / gNB is going to provide coverage at a certain geographical location at different time instants in case of a gNB handover / satellite switch, as shown in Fig. 19, as well as which beams are going to provide coverage at different geographical locations within the satellite footprint at different time instances as depicted in Figs. 15, 16 and 17.

[0274] Specifically, Fig. 19 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 comprising a core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200 and satellites 206i, 2062 and 2O63 having implemented gNBs thereon as well as an illustration of an exemplary satellite switchover / gNB handover.

[0275] In embodiments, in order to identify the satellite / gNB, to which the paged UE belongs, the AMF needs assistance information from the UE to assist the AMF determining the serving gNB / satellite at a certain time instant. This assistance information could be reported by the UE in the RRCJDLE state as part of the legacy tracking areas registration request directly to the AMF. The assistance information might include one or more out of the following parameters: Satellite beam identity Satellite index

[0276] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 33 gNB Index

[0277] GNSS-based location

[0278] Timing Advance (TA)

[0279] GNSS-independent positioning method: i. AMF-based location, ii. NG-RAN-based location, or iii. UE-based location

[0280] In embodiments, UE assistance information could be reported by the UE directly to the gNB in a previous RRC_ACTIVE state, which could be forwarded by the gNB to the AMF if necessary over the NG interface. The UE assistance information along with the ephemeris data and the beam pattern allow the gNB to define the satellite serving beam at a specific time instant as well as to predict the serving beams at subsequent time instants. Additionally, the availability of the UE assistance information as well as the ephemeris data and the beam pattern information at the AMF allows the AMF to identify the serving satellite / gNB at a specific time instant as well as to predict the serving satellites / gNBs at subsequent time instants.

[0281] In embodiments, the UE assistance information could be reported to the base station during the RACH procedure using messages such as RAR, or MSG4.

[0282] In embodiments, the assistance information reported by the UE might be associated with an expiry time / periodicity, after which the UE shall report new assistant information to the AMF / gNB either in RRC-IDLE or RRC_ACTIVE state as described above.

[0283] In embodiments, by having the information above at the AMF, the AMF can be able to identify the satellite / gNB serving the paged UE at a certain time instant at a certain geographical location as well as to predict the upcoming satellite / gNB that might be serving the paged UE at the subsequent time instants, which might be a different satellite / gNB. Subsequently, and once the UE is paged, the AMF can forward the paging message to the identified serving satellite / gNB.

[0284] In embodiments, the gNB, and after receiving the paging message, can be able to identify the beam serving the paged UE at a certain geographical location and a certain time instant. The beam pattern and the ephemeris data available at the gNB assists the gNB in identifying the beam serving a certain geographical area at a certain time instant. Additionally, the gNB needs information about the coarse location of the UE. To do so, the gNB relies on the assistance

[0285] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 34 information reported by the UE from a previous RRC_ACTIVE state. This assistance information could be at least one out of the following:

[0286] Satellite beam identity

[0287] Satellite index gNB Index

[0288] Timing advance (TA)

[0289] GNSS-based location

[0290] GNSS-independent positioning method: i. AMF-based location, ii. NG-RAN-based location, or iii. UE-based location

[0291] In embodiments, the UE assistance information and the beam pattern allow the gNB as well as the AMF to optimize the paging procedure. The AMF, for example, might be able to send the paging message to the serving satellite / gNB at a specific time instant, and in case there was no response from the UE, the AMF could transmit the paging message in the second attempt over the same gNB / satellite as well as the next gNB / satellite that is going to provide coverage at the next time instant. In the same way, and gNB might be able to transmit the paging message on the serving beam at a specific time instant, and in case there was no response from the UE, the AMF might re-transmit the paging message in the second attempt over the neighbouring beams or the beams that are expected to serve the UE at the next time instants.

[0292] In embodiments, the UE can respond to the paging message as in legacy by initiating a PRACH procedure and transmitting a preamble request message to the gNB as depicted in Fig. 2.

[0293] 6. _ Detailed embodiment B: Transparent Payload; gNB on ground; satellite used for forwarding

[0294] In this embodiment, a transparent payload scenario is described in more details, where the base station (e.g., gNB) is implemented on ground, as shown in Fig. 20.

[0295] Specifically, Fig. 20 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 comprising a core network entity 203, a base station 201 , a satellite gateway 200 and a transparent satellite 206 as well as beam pattern time-location plan 260 (e.g., for transparent payload).

[0296] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 35

[0297] As shown in Fig. 20, the communication network can comprise an access and mobility function (e.g., AMF) as part of the 5G core network (5GC). The AMF is connected to a gNB on ground by the NG interface. The gNB on ground forwards the User link Uu via a gateway on ground via the so-called feeder-link to the satellite, which is transparent forwarding the logical interface Uu directly to a UE on ground without any protocol handling involved. In this example, the satellite covers a geographical area on the ground, which is called the satellite footprint. The satellite footprint could have a diameter of, for example, a couple of hundred kilometers. The transparent satellite uses a specific beam pattern as mentioned section 4, to cover its footprint, as the available power on board the satellite is not enough to provide coverage to its entire footprint at the same time. The beam pattern information is described in section 4.

[0298] 7. _ Detailed embodiment C: Distributed unit (DU) on board the satellite and centralized unit (CU) on the ground

[0299] In this embodiment, a CU (Centralized Unit) I DU (Distributed Unit) architecture is described in more details, where a gNB-CU is implemented on ground and a gNB-DU is implemented on board the satellite, as shown in Fig. 21.

[0300] Specifically, Fig. 21 shows a schematic representation of a non-terrestrial network 210 with a core network entity 203, a satellite gateway 200, a distributed unit (DU) on board the satellite 206 and centralized unit (CU) 201 on the ground as well as a beam pattern time-location plan 260 (e.g., for a CU / DU split architecture).

[0301] As shown in Fig. 21 , the communication network comprises access and mobility function (e.g., AMF) as part of the 5G core network (5GC). The AMF is connected to a gNB-CU on ground by the NG interface. The gNB-CU on ground forwards the F1 link via a gateway on ground via the so-called feeder-link to the gNB-DU on board the satellite. The gNB-DU on board the satellite is connected to the UE on ground via the logical interface Uu. In this example, the satellite covers a geographical area on the ground, which is called the satellite footprint. The satellite footprint could have a diameter of a couple of hundred kilometers. The gNB-DU on board the satellite uses a specific beam pattern as mentioned in section 4, to cover its footprint, as the available power on board the satellite is not enough to provide coverage to its entire footprint at the same time. The beam pattern information is described section 4.

[0302] 8. Exemplary implementation in hardware and / or software

[0303] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 36

[0304] Various elements and features of the present invention may be implemented in hardware using analog and / or digital circuits, in software, through the execution of instructions by one or more general purpose or special-purpose processors, or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the environment of a computer system or another processing system. Fig. 22 illustrates an example of a computer system 500. The units or modules as well as the steps of the methods performed by these units may execute on one or more computer systems 500. The computer system 500 includes one or more processors 502, like a special purpose or a general-purpose digital signal processor. The processor 502 is connected to a communication infrastructure 504, like a bus or a network. The computer system 500 includes a main memory 506, e.g., a random-access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 508, e.g., a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive. The secondary memory 508 may allow computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 500. The computer system 500 may further include a communications interface 510 to allow software and data to be transferred between computer system 500 and external devices. The communication may be in the from electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being handled by a communications interface. The communication may use a wire or a cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link and other communications channels 512.

[0305] The terms “computer program medium” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer to tangible storage media such as removable storage units or a hard disk installed in a hard disk drive. These computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system 500. The computer programs, also referred to as computer control logic, are stored in main memory 506 and / or secondary memory 508. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 510. The computer program, when executed, enables the computer system 500 to implement the present invention. In particular, the computer program, when executed, enables processor 502 to implement the processes of the present invention, such as any of the methods described herein. Accordingly, such a computer program may represent a controller of the computer system 500. Where the disclosure is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 500 using a removable storage drive, an interface, like communications interface 510.

[0306] The implementation in hardware or in software may be performed using a digital storage medium, for example cloud storage, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blue-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable

[0307] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 37 computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

[0308] Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

[0309] Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may for example be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0310] Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine-readable carrier. In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0311] A further embodiment of the inventive methods is, therefore, a data carrier (or a digital storage medium, or a computer-readable medium) comprising, recorded thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may for example be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet. A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0312] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor in order to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus.

[0313] The above described embodiments are merely illustrative for the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and the details

[0314] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 38 described herein are apparent to others skilled in the art. It is the intent, therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the impending patent claims and not by the specific details presented by way of description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

[0315] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 39

[0316] List of References [1] 3GPP TS 38.304; V18.2.0 (2024-06); Technical Specification Group Radio Access

[0317] Network; NR; User Equipment (UE) procedures in Idle mode and RRC Inactive state

[0318] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 40

[0319] Abbreviations

[0320] 3GPP third generation partnership project ACK acknowledgement AMF access and mobility function ARFCN absolute radio frequency channel number BFD beam failure detection BFR beam failure recovery BRP beam forming resource pool BWP bandwidth part BS base station CD-SSB cell-defining synchronization signal block CDM code division multiplexing CG configured grant CRI CSI-RS resource indicator CQI channel quality information CSI channel state information CSI-RS channel state information - reference signal CU centralized unit D2D device-to-device DC dual conectivity DCI downlink control information DL downlink DM-RS demodulation reference signal DRS discovery reference signal DRX discontinues reception DTX discontinues transmission DU distributed unit eNB evolved node B FR frequency range FR1 frequency range one FR2 frequency range two gNB next generation node B GSCN global synchronization channel number HARQ hybrid automatic repeat request

[0321] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 41

[0322] IC in-coverage - within the coverage of another transceiver

[0323] ID identity

[0324] IFFT inverse fast Fourier transform loT internet of things

[0325] ISL inter satellite link

[0326] OOC out-of-coverage - out of the coverage of another transceiver, i.e. out of the coverage area of a base station

[0327] LA location area

[0328] LTE long-term evolution

[0329] MAC medium access control

[0330] MAC-CE medium access control - control element

[0331] MCC mobile country code

[0332] MCG master cell group

[0333] MIB master information block

[0334] MME mobility management entity

[0335] MNC mobile network code

[0336] MSI minimum system information

[0337] NACK negative acknowledgement

[0338] NCD-SSB non cell-defining synchronization signal block

[0339] NG next generation

[0340] NGAP next generation application protocol

[0341] NES network energy savings

[0342] NPN non-public network

[0343] NR new radio

[0344] NTN non-terrestrial network

[0345] OFDM orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing

[0346] OFDMA orthogonal frequency-division multiple access

[0347] PBCH physical broadcast channel

[0348] PC partial-coverage - one transceiver is in-coverage, another one is out-of- coverage

[0349] PC5 interface using the sidelink channel for D2D communication

[0350] PDCCH physical downlink control channel

[0351] PDSCH physical downlink shared channel

[0352] PLMN public land mobile network

[0353] PM I precoding matrix indicator

[0354] PRACH physical random access channel

[0355] PRS positioning reference signal

[0356] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 42

[0357] PSBCH physical sidelink broadcast channel PSCCH physical sidelink control channel PSFCH physical sidelink feedback channel PSS primary synchronization signal PSSCH physical sidelink shared channel PUCCH physical uplink control channel PUSCH physical uplink shared channel QCL quasi - colocation RACH random access channel RAN radio access network RB resource block RE resource element RedCap reduced capability RMSI remaining minimum system information RNTI radio network temporary identifier RRC radio resource control RS reference signal RSRP reference signal received power RSRQ reference signal received quality SCI sidelink control information SCG secondary cell group SCS subcarrier spacing SI system information SIB system information block SL sidelink SPS semi persistent scheduling SR scheduling request SRS sounding reference signal SSB synchronization signal block SSS secondary synchronization signal S-SSB sidelink synchronization signal block sTTI short transmission time interval TA tracking area TA timing advance TAC tracking area code TAL tracking area list TAI tracking area ID

[0358] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX 24018 43

[0359] TDD time division duplex

[0360] TP trigger procedure

[0361] TRS tracking reference signal

[0362] UAC unified access control UE user equipment, e.g., a smartphone or loT node

[0363] UL uplink

[0364] UMTS universal mobile telecommunication system

[0365] V2X vehicle-to-everything

[0366] V2V vehicle-to-vehicle Wl work item x-MSI cross-carrier minimum system information

[0367] FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX

Claims

24018 44Claims1 . User equipment (202i) for a wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment (202i) is served by one or more satellite beams of one or more satellites of the wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to transmit an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of the user equipment (202i), wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to receive a paging message via the one or more satellite beams.

2. User equipment (202i) according to claim 1 , wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to transmit the assistance information to at least one out of a satellite of the one or more satellites, a base station (201) of the wireless communication network, a core network entity (203) of the wireless communication network.

3. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to receive serving beam related information, the serving beam related information indicating one or more out of a beam identity of the one or more satellite beams, a satellite index of the one or more satellites, an on-duration of the one or more satellite beams, a periodicity of the one or more satellite beams.

4. User equipment (202i) according to claim 3, wherein the assistance information indicates the position of the user equipment (202i) based on the serving beam related information.FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 455. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 3 to 4, wherein the assistance information indicates the position of the user equipment (202i) by means of at least one out of the beam identity of the one or more satellite beams, the satellite index of the one or more satellites, a base station index of a base station (201) serving the user equipment (202i).

6. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to determine the position of the user equipment (202i) based on the serving beam related information.

7. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellite beams is associated with a synchronization signal block, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to determine a start of an on-duration of the at least one satellite beam based on a time instant of a reception of the synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam.

8. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellite beams is associated with a plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, wherein the user equipment (202i) is associated with one synchronization signal block of the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to determine a start of an on-duration of the at least one satellite beam based on a time instant of a reception of a respective synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam and associated with the user equipment (202i).

9. User equipment (202i) according to claim 7 or 8,FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 46 wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to determine the on-duration of the satellite beam further based on an individual serving beam related information indicating a length of the on-duration individually for the user equipment (202i).

10. User equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to receive a message using the respective satellite beam during the determined on-duration, and / or wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to transmit a message using the respective satellite beam during the determined on-duration.11 . User equipment (202i) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user equipment (202i) is configured to wake-up at a paging occasion for receiving the paging message.

12. Base station (201) for a wireless communication network, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit a satellite beam pattern information to a core network entity (203), the satellite beam pattern information indicating a satellite beam pattern; wherein the base station (201) is configured to receive an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of a user equipment (202i), wherein the base station (201) is configured to select, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment (202i), at least one satellite beam of a satellite out of a plurality of different satellite beams based on the position of the user equipment (202i) and the satellite beam pattern, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the paging message to the user equipment (202i) using the selected at least one satellite beam.

13. Base station (201) according to claim 12,FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 47 wherein the selected at least one satellite beam is a proper subset of the plurality of different satellite beams.

14. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 13, wherein the assistance information indicates the position of the user equipment (202i) by means of at least one out of a beam identity of a satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, a satellite index of a satellite out of the at least one satellite, a base station index of a base station (201), a global navigation satellite system based position, a wireless communication network based position.

15. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the base station (201) is configured to forward the assistance information to the core network entity (203).

16. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 15, wherein the base station is configured to transmit the satellite beam pattern information to the core network (203) entity via an NG interface or an S1 interface.

17. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 16, wherein the satellite beam pattern indicates which geographical areas of the service area are covered by respective satellite beams of the plurality of different satellite beams, and which of the plurality of different satellite beams are active and / or inactive at different time instants.

18. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 17, wherein the satellite beam pattern indicates a time-location plan of the plurality of different satellite beams.

19. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 18,FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 48 wherein the satellite beam pattern indicates for each satellite beam a beam on-duration and / or a beam periodicity, and / or wherein the satellite beam pattern indicates for each satellite beam a geographical area covered by the respective satellite beam.

20. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 19, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit serving beam related information to the user equipment (202i), the serving beam related information indicating one or more out of a beam identity of one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment(202i), a satellite index of the one or more satellites serving the user equipment (202i), an on-duration of the one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment (202I), a periodicity of the one or more satellite beams serving the user equipment(202i).21 . Base station (201) according to claim 20, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the serving beam related information to the user equipment (202i) via a system information message or a random access message.

22. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 20 and 21 , wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit, in response to receiving an updated assistance information from the user equipment (202i), an updated serving beam related information to the user equipment (202i).

23. Base station (201) according to claim 22, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the updated serving beam related information via downlink control information, a medium access control control element or dedicated radio resource control signaling.FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 4924. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 23, wherein the base station (201) is configured to select the at least one satellite beam further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment (202i).

25. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 24, wherein the base station (201) is configured to select the at least one satellite beam further based on ephemeris data.

26. Base station (201) according to claim 25, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the user equipment (202i) and / or to a core network entity (203).

27. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 25 to 26, wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the user equipment (202i) via a system information message or a random access message, and / or wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the ephemeris data to the core network entity (203) via an NG interface or an S1 interface.

28. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 27, wherein the assistance information further indicates a timing advance, wherein the base station (201) is configured to select as the at least one satellite beam one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, or more than one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, in dependence on the timing advance.

29. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 28, wherein at least one satellite beam of the plurality of satellite beams is associated with a synchronization signal block,FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 50 wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit to the user equipment (202i) the synchronization signal block associated with the at least one satellite beam in order to signal to the user equipment (202i) a start of an on-duration of the at least one satellite beam.

30. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 28, wherein at least one satellite beam of the plurality of satellite beams is associated with a plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks, one synchronization signal block of the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks being associated with the user equipment (202i), wherein the base station (201) is configured to transmit the plurality of time multiplexed synchronization signal blocks using the at least one satellite beam in order to signal to the user equipment (202i) by means of the one synchronization signal block associated with the user equipment (202i) a start of an on-duration of the at least one satellite beam.31 . Base station (201) according to claim 29 and 30, wherein the base station (201) is configured to signal the on-duration to the user equipment (202i) using a system information message.

32. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 29 to 31 , wherein the base station (201) is configured to adjust the on-duration for the user equipment (202i) based on a maximum possible propagation delay between the satellite and the user equipment (202i) for the at least one satellite beam, or wherein the base station (201) is configured to adjust the on-duration based on a timing advance reported by the user equipment (202i).

33. Base station (201) according to claim 32, wherein the base station (201) is configured to signal the adjusted on-duration to the user equipment (202i) using a random access message during initial access or usingFH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 51 downlink control information, a medium access control control element or radio resource control signaling in a connected state.

34. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 33, wherein the base station (201) is configured to receive the assistance information as part of a registration request, or wherein the base station (201) is configured to receive the assistance information in a previous connected state, or wherein the base station (201) is configured to receive the assistance information during a random access procedure.

35. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 34, wherein the base station is implemented on board the satellite.

36. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 34, wherein the base station (201) is implemented on ground, wherein the base station is configured to communicate with the user equipment (202i) via the satellite.

37. Base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 34, wherein the base station (201) comprises a centralized unit and a distributed unit, wherein the centralized unit implemented on ground, and wherein the distributed unit is implemented on board the satellite.

38. Base station (201) according to claim 37, wherein the centralized unit and the distributed unit are connected via a F1 interface.FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 5239. Core network entity (203) for a wireless communication network, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of a user equipment (202i), wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment (202i), at least one satellite out of a plurality of different satellites based on the position of the user equipment (202i) and based on a plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites, each satellite beam pattern being associated with a respective satellite, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to transmit the paging message to the user equipment (202i) using the selected one or more satellites.

40. Core network entity (203) according to claim 39, wherein the selected at least one satellite is a proper subset of the plurality of satellites of the wireless communication network.41 . Core network entity (203) according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select, for transmitting the paging message to the user equipment (202i), at least one satellite beam out of a plurality of different satellite beams of the selected at least one satellite based on the position of the user equipment (202i) and based on a respective satellite beam pattern of the selected at least one satellite.

42. Core network entity (203) according to claim 41 , wherein the at least one satellite beam is a proper subset of the plurality of different satellite beams.

43. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 42 to 45, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to determine a paging occasion and / or a paging frame for the user equipment (202i) based on the assistanceFH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 53 information, ephemeris data and the plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites.

44. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 43, wherein the assistance information indicates the position of the user equipment (202i) by means of at least one out of a beam identity of a satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, a satellite index of a satellite out of the at least one satellite, a base station index of a base station (201), a global navigation satellite system based position, a wireless communication network based position.

45. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 44, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive satellite beam pattern information, the satellite beam pattern information indicating the plurality of satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites.

46. Core network entity (203) according to claim 45, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive the satellite beam pattern information via an NG interface or an S1 interface.

47. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 46, wherein each of the satellite beam patterns indicates which geographical areas of a service area are covered by respective satellite beams of the plurality of different satellite beams of a respective satellite, and which of the plurality of different satellite beams are active and / or inactive at different time instants.

48. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 47, wherein each of the satellite beam patterns indicates a time-location plan of a plurality of different satellite beams of a respective satellite.FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 5449. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 48, wherein each of the satellite beam patterns indicates for each satellite beam a beam on-duration and / or a beam periodicity, and / or wherein each of the satellite beam patterns indicates for each satellite beam a geographical area covered by the respective satellite beam, and / or wherein each of the beam patterns indicates for each satellite beam a beam index and satellite index.

50. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 49, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select the at least one satellite out of the plurality of satellites further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment (202I), and / or wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select the at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellites further based on a paging occasion of the user equipment (202i).51 . Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 50, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select the at least one satellite out of the plurality of satellites further based on ephemeris data, and / or wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select the at least one satellite beam of the one or more satellites further based on ephemeris data.

52. Core network entity (203) according to claim 51 , wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive the ephemeris data from a base station (201).

53. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 51 to 52,FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 55 wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive the ephemeris data via an NG interface or an S1 interface.

54. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 53, wherein the assistance information further describes a timing advance, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to select as the at least one satellite beam one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, or more than one satellite beam out of the plurality of different satellite beams, in dependence on the timing advance.

55. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 54, wherein the core network entity (203) implements an access and mobility management function or mobility management entity.

56. Core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 55, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive the assistance information directly from the user equipment (202i).

57. Core network entity (203) according to claim 56, wherein the core network entity (203) is configured to receive the assistance information via a base station (201) of the wireless communication network.

58. System, comprising: at least two out of a user equipment (202i) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 , a base station (201) according to one of the claims 12 to 38, a core network entity (203) according to one of the claims 39 to 57.

59. Method for operating a user equipment (202i) for receiving a paging message in a wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment (202i) is served by oneFH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 56 or more satellite beams of one or more satellites of the wireless communication network, the method comprising: transmitting an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of the user equipment (202i), receiving the paging message via the one or more satellite beams.

60. Method for operating a base station (201) for transmitting a paging message in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: transmitting a satellite beam pattern information to a core network entity (203) , the satellite beam pattern information indicating a satellite beam pattern, receiving an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of a user equipment (202i), selecting, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment (202i), at least one satellite beam of a satellite out of a plurality of different satellite beams based on the position of the user equipment (202i) and the satellite beam pattern, transmitting the paging message to the user equipment (202i) using the selected at least one satellite beam.61 . Method for operating a core network entity (203) for transmitting a paging message in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving an assistance information, the assistance information indicating a position of a user equipment (202i), selecting, for transmitting a paging message to the user equipment (202i), at least one satellite out of a plurality of different satellites based on the position of the user equipment (202i) and based on satellite beam patterns of the plurality of different satellites, each satellite beam pattern being associated with a respective satellite, transmitting the paging message to the user equipment (202i) using the selected at least one satellite beam of the selected one or more satellites.FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX24018 5762. Computer program for performing a method according to one of the claims 59 to 61 , when executed by a user equipment, a base station (201) ora core network entity (203).FH240801 PEP-2025246831. DOCX

Images